There will be an all-Premier League clash to look ahead to in the FA Cup on Saturday, as Southampton will be the visitors to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace. Both teams have endured contrasting fortunes to this point, but could league form go out the window when they clash in the prestigious cup competition?
FA Cup Preview
It can’t be understated how good of a job Patrick Vieira is doing at Crystal Palace with this young Eagles side. Palace is comfortable in the league at this stage, and they could be sitting in the top half of the standings before they come up against the Saints on Saturday. Palace has won three of their previous five league games before this fixture, and Selhurst Park has once again become a fortress.
Vieira’s side bounced back from their Boxing Day mishap against Fulham with a win against Bournemouth, but their recent record in the FA Cup third round does leave room for intrigue. The Eagles have been eliminated in three of the previous five third round matches that they have played. However, they enjoyed an excellent run to the semi-finals last season, and their league position could see them put extra emphasis on the FA Cup once again this term.
Southampton will likely see the FA Cup as a welcome distraction, as their league form has completely evaded them throughout this term. There’s no denying that the Saints are in a fight to stay in the English top-flight, but they have already shown that they are capable of big performances in the cup this term.
The Saints are already in the last eight of the EFL Cup, and they have an excellent record in the third round of the FA Cup. They have been eliminated at this stage on just four occasions from their previous 18, which includes their run to the quarterfinals of the competition last term.
Crystal Palace vs Southampton Head to Head
Palace boasts an excellent FA Cup record against Southampton, as they have won five of the seven ties between the sides. Their most recent win was a 2-1 success in January 2016 on their way to the FA Cup final that season. Meanwhile, the Saints have lost five of their last six against the Eagles.
Crystal Palace vs Southampton Prediction
Southampton may have impressed in domestic cup competitions over recent seasons, but it is hard to see any other result than a win for Palace on Saturday. The Eagles have a better FA Cup record against Saints, and they have been in much better form throughout the season.
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